Spring Cleaning

There is something about the spring season that feels fresh and new. Perhaps it’s the pruned trees with new buds of flowers beginning to blossom. Maybe it is the feeling of warmth as the sun shines on my skin and the cold days of winter become a memory. One thing I think about at this … Continue reading “Spring Cleaning”

Learning to Listen

Have you ever wanted to share something that has been bothering you with someone you love? They have hurt your feelings in some way and you want to let them know, but you are scared to share out of fear they may react? You go through the process of psyching yourself up for the conversation, … Continue reading “Learning to Listen”

5 Ways to Help Manage Stress and Anxiety

As an adult stress, anxiety and worry can be challenging emotions to manage. We can become overwhelmed, distressed and begin having catastrophic thoughts. For our children it is equally as difficult if not more to manage these emotions. Children do not have the emotional capacity or brain development like that of an adult and need … Continue reading “5 Ways to Help Manage Stress and Anxiety”

Being Intentional in Your Marriage

There was a sense of excitement in the room. Ten couples had signed up for a weekend Marriage Retreat and the first session was about to begin. Preparations had been in the process for months. Putting the schedule and sessions together, deciding on the menu, getting the word out to potential attendees and assembling a … Continue reading “Being Intentional in Your Marriage”

3 Steps to Positive Thinking

In my last blog I discussed the connection between our thoughts, emotions and actions. Now I’d like to focus on how we can alter our thoughts from a negative perspective to a positive one. Making such a change takes time and commitment. Over time our thoughts become so automatic that in order to switch from … Continue reading “3 Steps to Positive Thinking”

Controlling Anger Before it Controls You

Have you found yourself in a place where you have lost all sense of self-control? There are two types of anger and one may surprise you. 1) Anger is a human emotion that all of us experience at one time or another and can be “healthy” when matched with the appropriate circumstance and outlet. 2) … Continue reading “Controlling Anger Before it Controls You”

What Causes a Person to Change

Three things that lead to lasting change. Change is a key reason people come to counseling. Whether it is to better a marriage, overcome anxious thoughts, defeat depression or simply reach new goals, people seek counseling in order to make lasting changes. Often we have longstanding patterns of behavior that seem impossible to change. However, … Continue reading “What Causes a Person to Change”

Coping with Depression

Because every person is different, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for depression. You’re not going to get out of depression simply by reading this post. However, these universal concepts may be helpful on your journey. In addressing depression, it’s helpful to separate life into different categories – let’s view ourselves as biological, psychological, social, and … Continue reading “Coping with Depression”

5 Signs of Relational Trauma

Wearing her pink apron, my not-quite-two year old granddaughter stirs flour in a large bowl, swirls of flour-dust wafting up from the bowl, catching in her hair, landing on the floor around her. My daughter’s voice as she speaks to her daughter, “you’re such a good helper, little lady,” makes me smile, as I think … Continue reading “5 Signs of Relational Trauma”

8 Steps to Listen Well

“How do I get my spouse to listen to me?” is a common question I hear from couples who come into counseling. There is frustration and a desire for connection. Whether it’s a couple who recently shared their wedding vows or spouses who have been on the marriage journey for years, many people realize they … Continue reading “8 Steps to Listen Well”